My Hemicolectomy was in May '19, following Bowel Cancer diagnosis a month before. I stayed in hospital for 4 days. Should have been 3, but I had no one to pick me up.
I woke from surgery with a drip of Fentanyl for the first day, which was reduced to 3 paracetamol Tabs - every few hours, which I rarely took, as the pain lessened. I felt very comfortable during the day - as the nurses were just so lovely.
However, at night, it became something of a nightmare scenario. I was in a ward of 8 other women, with varying problems. The nurses' station was just outside the ward, was brightly lit, & the noise all night was horrendous - laughing & giggling. Then, dealing with a very confused patient on my ward.....shouting on both sides. I remember asking for help, when I went to the loo, pushing my drips. When I got back to my bed, I forgot which porthole the tubes went in. I asked for help, & the nurse told me to do it for myself!
To be honest, I became scared of the nights on the ward. I witnessed other occasions. No one should be subjected to feeling vulnerable after major surgery. But I did at my hospital.
Marianne 26
You had a terrible experience which after your surgery is not acceptable
Have you put in a complaint?
Mine was the opposite although they were busy they made time to help me. Well most did. There was one that needed retraining but you expect a small amount of that attitude.
Im sorry that you had such an awful time
Ann
Hi Blondebanana
I had an en-suite and twenty four hour care. It’s unusual when you’ve had a long surgery and have drips and meds It’s a rehab and as soon as I was up I kept going and out in Five days when they thought ten
Where are you based?
Ann
Night times can be tricky I’ve had a few not so good nights with my other stays after the LAR. I had a reversal. which was terrible but only over night. Then a blockage which didn’t have enough night staff to cope. It wasn’t their fault
You could put in a complaint now. It may give them chance to clear any nightstaffing issues
I think nights are the worst.
Ann
